Combined effects of antimicrobial coating, modified atmosphere packaging, and gamma irradiation on Listeria innocua present in ready-to-use carrots (Daucus carota)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an edible antimicrobial coating combined with modified atmosphere (MA) packaging (60% O2, 30% CO2, and 10% N2) and gamma irradiation on peeled minicarrots inoculated with Listeria innocua. Carrots were inoculated with L. innocua (10(3) CFU/g) and then coated with an antimicrobial coating based on calcium caseinate containing trans-cinnamaldehyde. The same formulation without trans-cinnamaldehyde was used as an inactive coating. Coated and uncoated carrots were packed under the MA or under air, irradiated at 0.25 or 0.5 kGy, and stored at 4 +/- 1 degrees C for 21 days. Samples were evaluated periodically for enumeration of L. innocua. Unirradiated carrots stored under air had the highest concentrations of L. innocua after 21 days of storage: 2.23 CFU/g in the uncoated samples and 2.26 CFU/ g in samples coated with the inactive coating. These results suggest that the inactive coating did not have any antimicrobial effect against L. innocua. However, the addition of the antimicrobial coating resulted in a 1.29-log reduction in the concentration of L. innocua in carrots packed under air after 21 days of storage and a 1.08-log reduction in carrots packed under MA after 7 days of storage. After 7 days of storage, no L. innocua was detected in samples treated at 0.5 kGy under air or in samples treated at 0.25 kGy under MA. A complete inhibition of L. innocua was also observed during all storage periods in uncoated and coated samples treated at 0.5 kGy under MA. These results indicate that the combination of irradiation and MA conditions play an important role in the radiosensitization of L. innocua.     

Combined effects of coating, modified atmosphere packaging, and gamma irradiation on quality maintenance of ready-to-use carrots (Daucus carota)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an edible coating combined with modified atmosphere (MA; 60% O2, 30% CO2, and 10% N2) packaging and gamma irradiation on the microbiological stability and physicochemical quality of minimally processed carrots. A coating based on calcium caseinate and whey protein isolates was used. Coated and uncoated peeled minicarrots were packed under the MA or air (78.1% N2, 20.9% O2, and 0.036% CO2), irradiated at 0.5 or 1 kGy, and stored at 4 +/- 1 degrees C for 21 days. Samples were evaluated periodically for aerobic plates counts (APCs) and physicochemical properties (firmness, white discoloration, and whiteness index). Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the carrots (P > 0.05). Microbiological analysis revealed that for uncoated carrots irradiation at 0.5 and 1 kGy under air and MA reduced the APCs by 3.5 and 4 log CFU/g and by 4 and 4.5 log CFU/g, respectively. For coated carrots, irradiation at 0.5 and 1 kGy under air and MA reduced the APCs by 4 and 4.5 log CFU/g and by 3 and 4.25 log CFU/g, respectively. The coating was able to protect carrots against dehydration during storage under air. Coating and irradiation at 1 kGy were also able to protect carrot firmness during storage under air. MA packaging retarded whitening of uncoated carrots but had a detrimental effect on firmness. The edible coating used in this study did not significantly inhibit (P > 0.05) microbial growth on carrots.     

Nitrogen nutrition and flavour compounds of carrots (Daucus carota L) cultivated in Mitscherlich pots

Carrots (Daucus carota L) of the cultivar ‘Nanthya’ F₁ were grown in Mitscherlich pots containing quartz sand with inorganic nitrogen fertilisation (five levels, four replications) and time‐controlled drip irrigation. The effect of different nitrogen uptake on the yield and on the amount and composition of essential oils, sugars and organic acids was investigated. Sucrose, glucose and fructose were extracted and analysed by HPLC; L ‐malic acid and citric acid were measured with an enzymatic test. Medium‐ and higher‐boiling flavour components were isolated as essential oils by simultaneous watersteam distillation and pentane extraction (SDE) and separated gas chromatographically (HRGC–FID). Thirteen essential oil components were identified by mass spectrometry as well as by comparison of retention times and quantified by external standards. The higher the supply of nitrogen, the higher was its uptake and as a consequence the higher were the nitrogen and nitrate contents of the leaves as well as the roots of the carrots. Carrots with lower nitrogen application had higher amounts of sucrose and essential oils but lower amounts of glucose and fructose. Fertilisation with nitrogen affected not only the total content but also the composition of the essential oils. A correlation between nitrogen nutrition and organic acids could not be found. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging for the control of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey meat.

When radiation-sterilized ground turkey meat was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, packaged under mixtures of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and irradiated with gamma-radiation doses of 0 to 3.0 kGy, there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05), but probably not a biologically significant, lower (0.39 log) predicted bacterial survival in the presence of 100% carbon dioxide than in the presence of 100% nitrogen. Possibly because all atmospheres contained oxygen and because a response surface design was used, gamma-radiation resistance was not significantly (P < 0.05) different in air than in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) mixtures containing 5% O2 or containing 20, 40, 60, and 80% CO2 and balance N2. The antilisterial effects of MAP mixtures containing 17.2, 40.5, and 64% CO2 and balance N2 were compared to those associated with air and vacuum packaging on turkey inoculated with approximately 5 x 10(3) CFU/g. Samples were irradiated to doses of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kGy and were stored at 7 degrees C for up to 28 days. Irradiation treatments were significantly more lethal in the presence of air packaging than in either vacuum packaging or MAP, and in those samples that received >1.0 kGy, there was a concentration-dependent CO2 inhibition of L. monocytogenes multiplication and/or recovery.     

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the growth of spoilage microorganisms and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh cheese

Queso Fresco has a limited shelf life and has been shown to support the rapid growth of Listeria monocytogenes during refrigerated storage. In addition to improving quality and extending shelf life, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used to control the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in foods. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of MAP conditions on the survival and growth of spoilage microorganisms and L. monocytogenes during storage of Queso Fresco manufactured without starter cultures. For L. monocytogenes experiments, cheeses were surface inoculated at ～4 log₁₀ cfu/g before packaging. Inoculated and uninoculated (shelf life experiments) cheeses were placed in 75-µm high-barrier pouches, packaged under 1 of 7 conditions including air, vacuum, or combinations of N₂ and CO₂ [100% N₂ (MAP1), 30% CO₂:70% N₂ (MAP2), 50% CO₂:50% N₂ (MAP3), or 70% CO₂:30% N₂ (MAP4), 100% CO₂ (MAP5)], and stored at 7°C. Samples were removed weekly through 35 d of storage. Listeria monocytogenes counts were determined for inoculated samples. Uninoculated samples were assayed for mesophilic and psychrotolerant counts, lactic acid bacteria, coliforms, and yeast and mold. In general, cheeses packaged under conditions consisting of higher contents of CO₂ had lower pH levels during storage compared with those stored in conditions with lower levels or no CO₂ at all. Similarly, the antimicrobial efficacy of MAP in controlling spoilage microorganisms increased with increasing CO₂ content, whereas conditions consisting of 100% N₂, vacuum, or air were less effective. Mean L. monocytogenes counts remained near inoculation levels for all treatments at d 1 but increased ～2 log₁₀ cfu/g on cheeses packaged in air, vacuum, and 100% N₂ (MAP1) conditions at d 7 and an additional ～1.5 log₁₀ cfu/g at d 14 where they remained through 35 d. In contrast, treatments consisting of 70% CO₂ (MAP4) and 100% CO₂ (MAP5) limited increases in mean L. monocytogenes counts to <1 log₁₀ cfu/g through 14 d and ～1.5 log₁₀ cfu/g by d 21. Mean L. monocytogenes counts increased to levels significantly higher than inoculation (d 0) on cheeses stored in MAP2 and MAP3 on d 21, on d 28 for MAP4, and on d 35 for cheeses stored under MAP5 conditions. Overall, significant treatment × time interactions were observed between air, vacuum, and MAP1 when each was compared with MAP2, MAP3, MAP4, and MAP5. These data demonstrate that packaging fresh cheese under modified atmospheres containing CO₂ may be a promising approach to extend shelf life while limiting L. monocytogenes growth during cold storage.     

Effects of washing and packing on sensory and chemical parameters in carrots (Daucus carota L)

Carrots washed and packed by hand or machine and stored at 2, 10 or 20 °C in three different package types were analysed for taste, flavour and content of sugars, terpenes, 6‐methoxymellein and ethanol as well as for ethylene, CO₂ and O₂ concentrations in the packages. Carrots washed by machine had increased micro‐organism decay and higher sensory scores for bitter taste, aftertaste, terpene flavour and odour, green odour and earthy flavour. The ability of packages to ventilate was important to avoid anaerobic conditions that caused decreased sucrose content, increased production of ethanol and a higher intensity of ethanol flavour and sickeningly sweet taste. Increasing temperature enhanced the concentration of ethanol, CO₂ and ethylene and decreased the O₂ concentration as well as the content of sucrose and total sugar. High temperature also increased the intensity of ethanol flavour and odour, aftertaste, earthy flavour, terpene flavour and bitter taste. Bitter taste was positively correlated with 6‐methoxymellein level, although this level was below the sensory threshold. Bitter taste, earthy flavour and aftertaste were correlated with total terpenes and several individual terpenes. Carrots washed and packed early in the long‐term storage period (November) were more bitter and had a higher level of 6‐methoxymellein and a higher intensity of terpene flavour and odour, green flavour and earthy flavour than those handled in January or March. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Control of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters and cooked pork chops by irradiation combined with modified atmosphere packaging

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of controlling Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters and cooked pork chops with irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) containing a high concentration of CO(2). Frankfurters and cooked pork chops were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes and packaged in vacuum or high-CO(2) MAP. Irradiation was applied to each product at 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 kGy. No significant packaging effect was found for the radiation sensitivity of L. monocytogenes. Radiation D(10)-values for L. monocytogenes were 0.66 ± 0.03 and 0.70 ± 0.05 kGy on frankfurters and 0.60 ± 0.02 and 0.57 ± 0.02 kGy on cooked pork chops in vacuum and high-CO(2) MAP, respectively. High-CO(2) MAP was more effective than vacuum packaging for controlling the growth of survivors during refrigerated storage. These results indicate that irradiation and high-CO(2) MAP can be used to improve control of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats.     

高氧气调包装对鲜切胡萝卜的保鲜效果

研究了不同氧分压条件对鲜切胡萝卜保鲜效果的影响,评定其在贮藏过程中感官品质、呼吸强度、PPO、POD、PAL活性的变化。结果表明,40%氧气包装不适合鲜切胡萝卜贮藏保鲜。100%氧气包装的保鲜效果最好,可有效抑制鲜切胡萝卜呼吸强度以及PPO、POD、PAL的活性。60%、80%氧气包装的保鲜效果次之,但均可起到保鲜的作用。      

Bioactivity of falcarinol and the influenceof processing and storage on its content in carrots (Daucus carota L)

The concentration‐dependent activity of the polyacetylene falcarinol ((9Z)‐heptadeca‐1,9‐dien‐4,6‐diyn‐3‐ol), isolated from carrots, was investigated in a bioassay with primary mammary epithelial cells in collagen gels and compared with that of β‐carotene, the orange pigment in carrots. Falcarinol showed biphasic activity, having stimulatory effects between 0.01 and 0.05 µg ml^?1 and inhibitory effects between 1 and 10 µg ml^?1, whereas β‐carotene showed no effect in the concentration range 0.001–100 µg ml^?1. The results are discussed in relation to the health‐promoting effects of carrots and related vegetables. Falcarinol was quantified in the carrot cultivars Bolero, Rodelika and Fancy by analytical reverse phase HPLC, subjected to various processing and storage conditions in order to study how long‐term storage, blanching, freezing and boiling influence the content of falcarinol. Long‐term storage of raw carrot cubes (1 cm³) reduced the falcarinol content by almost 35%. A similar reduction was found in steam‐blanched carrot cubes (1 cm³). Long‐term storage at ?24 °C of steam blanched carrot cubes did not reduce the falcarinol content further. A reduction of almost 70% in the falcarinol content was found in carrot pieces boiled in water for 12 min compared with raw carrots. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combined effect of aqueous chlorine dioxide and modified atmosphere packaging on inhibiting Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in mungbean sprouts

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on inhibiting total mesophilic microorganisms, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes in mungbean sprouts during refrigerated storage. Mungbean sprouts were packaged using 4 different methods (air, vacuum, CO2 gas, and N2 gas) following treatment with water or 100 ppm ClO2 for 5 min and stored at 5 +/- 2 degrees C. The population of total mesophilic microorganisms in mungbean sprouts was about 8.4-log(10) CFU/g and this level was not significantly reduced by treatment with water or ClO2 (P > 0.05). However, when samples were packaged under vacuum, N2 gas, or CO2 gas following treatment with ClO2, the populations of total mesophilic microorganisms were significantly reduced during storage (P < 0.05). Levels of S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes in mungbean sprouts following inoculation were 4.6- and 5.6-log(10) CFU/g and treatment with water followed by different packaging conditions (air, vacuum, N2 gas, and CO2 gas) had no significant effect on population reduction (P > 0.05). However, treatment with ClO2 significantly reduced populations of S. Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes by 3.0- and 1.5-log CFU/g, respectively (P < 0.05), and these reduced cell levels were maintained or decreased in samples packaged under vacuum or in N2 or CO2 gas during storage. These results suggest that the combination of ClO2 treatment and MAP such as CO2 gas packaging may be useful for inhibiting microbial contamination and maintaining quality in mungbean sprouts during storage.     

Polyacetylenes in fresh and stored carrots (Daucus carota): relations to root morphology and sugar content

BACKGROUND: Carrot roots contain polyacetylenes, reported to be both beneficial and distasteful when consumed by humans. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between polyacetylene contents, root morphology and sugar content in order to increase the opportunities to optimise the composition of polyacetylenes in carrots. RESULTS: The falcarinol/total polyacetylene ratio was positively correlated with root size, the amount of sucrose and the sucrose/total soluble sugar ratio among both fresh and stored samples. Root size was inversely correlated with the amounts of falcarindiol and falcarindiol‐3‐acetate, especially among stored samples. Stored carrots exhibited an inverse correlation between polyacetylenes and the amount of soluble sugar. At a falcarinol content at harvest below approximately 200 mg kg^?1 dry weight the amounts of all polyacetylenes increased during storage, but above that level the amounts of all polyacetylenes instead decreased. CONCLUSION: The results indicate similarities in the activity of the enzymes transforming sucrose to hexoses and the enzymes transforming falcarinol to falcarindiol‐3‐acetate and falcarindiol. The negative correlation between root size and polyacetylenes seems to be partly due to dilution but also to a higher synthetisation rate in smaller roots. The results indicate the existence of an equilibrium regulating the level of falcarinol. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of cultivar,root weight,storage and boiling on carbohydrate content in carrots (Daucus carota L)

The effects of cultivar (n = 4), root weight (n = 4), storage (5 months) and boiling (7 min) and their interactions on the content of dry matter and carbohydrates were studied and ranked in carrots. Boiling had the greatest effect and had an influence on all variables except the ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose. The choice of cultivar was also of great importance as regards glucose, fructose and sucrose content, while dietary fibre and dry matter were much less affected, or even unaffected, by this factor. Root weight and storage were consistently of less significance than boiling and cultivar. Thus dietary fibre solubility, fructose content and the ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose were independent of the root weight, while storage had no impact on the dry matter content. After storage the cultivar Lonto had lost more dry matter than the other cultivars (10% versus mean 1% for the others, P = 0.009) and the sugar ratio between sucrose and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose had increased in the cultivar Amarant, while it decreased in the other cultivars (P < 0.001). Furthermore, Amarant had a lower loss of sugars (35%) following boiling than the other cultivars (mean 39%, P = 0.002). Storage and boiling interacted concerning soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, fibre solubility and glucose content. It is concluded that the various factors (especially boiling and cultivar) gave rise to such differences in carbohydrate content and composition that they might be of nutritional importance. The results may thus provide a basis for selecting raw material when studying possible health effects of carrots. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ionizing radiation sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 49594 and Listeria innocua ATCC 51742 inoculated on endive (Cichorium endiva)

Ionizing radiation inactivates the pathogenic bacteria that can contaminate leafy green vegetables. Leaf pieces and leaf homogenate of endive (Cichorium endiva) were inoculated with the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 49594) or Listeria innocua (ATCC 51742), a nonpathogenic surrogate bacterium. The radiation sensitivity of the two strains was similar, although L. innocua was more sensitive to the type of suspending leaf preparation. During refrigerated storage after irradiation, the population of L. monocytogenes on inoculated endive was briefly suppressed by 0.42 kilogray (kGy), a dose calibrated to achieve a 99% reduction. However, the pathogen regrew after 5 days until it exceeded the bacterial levels on the control after 19 days in storage. Treatment with 0.84 kGy, equivalent to a 99.99% reduction, suppressed L. monocytogenes throughout refrigerated storage. Doses up to 1.0 kGy had no significant effect on the color of endive leaf material, regardless of whether taken from the leaf edge or the leaf midrib. The texture of leaf edge material was unaffected by doses up to 1.0 kGy, whereas the maximum dose tolerated by leaf midrib material was 0.8 kGy. These results show that endive leaves may be treated with doses sufficient to achieve at least a 99.99% reduction of L. monocytogenes with little or no impact on the product's texture or color.     

低温结合气调包装处理对鲜切胡萝卜品质的影响

该研究以鲜切胡萝卜为对象,采用低温结合气调包装对鲜切胡萝卜进行处理,研究不同保鲜方式对鲜切胡萝卜品质的影响。鲜切胡萝卜经气调(气体组成分别为5%O₂+5%CO₂+90%N₂、5%O₂+10%CO₂+85%N₂、10%O₂+5%CO₂+85%N₂)包装后,(4±1)℃下在保鲜盒中贮藏,每3 d测定感官品质、失重率、可溶性固形物含量、抗坏血酸含量、胡萝卜素含量、菌落总数、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量和以及超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)活性等指标。结果表明,低温结合5%O₂+10%CO₂+85%N₂气调包装处理组有效地保持了鲜切胡萝卜的品质,减少了水分的流失,延缓了营养物质可溶性固形物、胡萝卜素以及抗坏血酸含量的下降,抑制了MDA含量...     

Combined effect of packaging atmosphere and storage temperature on growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat shrimp

Cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp were inoculated with a 5 strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes and packaged in air, vacuum, and a 100% carbon dioxide modified atmosphere. The packaged shrimp were then stored at 3, 7, and 12 degrees C for 15 days to monitor the growth of L. monocytogenes and psychrotrophic bacteria. Uninoculated shrimp were also subjected to sensory evaluation by a trained panel to measure odor and appearance over the storage period. Results demonstrated that shrimp packaged in CO(2) and stored at 3 degrees C did not permit growth of L. monocytogenes during the 15-day storage period, while all other packaging/temperature combinations allowed for multiplication of the bacterium. Carbon dioxide packaging also resulted in the slowest growth of psychrotrophic bacteria and resulted in shrimp having acceptable sensory odor and appearance scores at the end of storage. When strict temperature control is difficult, such as during processing, transportation, retail display, or home use, additional antimicrobial hurdles may be necessary to ensure safety.     

On the induction of cold acclimation in carrots (Daucus carota L.) and its influence on storage performance

We investigated the role of cold acclimation in carrot plants with respect to its influence on the storage performance of the harvested taproots. The induction of cold acclimation was followed in plants cultivated in a growth chamber under strict climate control and in taproots harvested from two separate field cultivations where the plants had been exposed to the natural variations in climate. Under controlled growth conditions, levels of antifreeze protein (AFP) mRNA were used as a marker for cold acclimation in carrot taproot tissue. Expression of this gene was induced by cold in discs excised from harvested taproots and this induction was clearly affected by the growth temperature of the plants from which the taproots were taken. These in vitro data were consistent with those from field-grown plants. In the cell wall of taproots harvested in year 2000, where the intact plants had frequently been exposed to temperatures below 6 °C, a 36 kDa AFP accumulated to higher levels during storage than in the taproots harvested from plants grown in year 2001, where cultivation temperatures had rarely dropped below 6 °C. The taproots from 2001 exhibited poor storage performance as shown by an earlier increase in relative electrolyte leakage and decrease in dry matter compared to taproots harvested in 2000. The capacity of the AFP to accumulate during storage was consistent with a high storage performance.     

Inhibition, survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on poultry as influenced by buffered lactic acid treatment and modified atmosphere packaging.

The effect of the treatment with various concentrations (2%, 5% and 10% w/v) of lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0), modified atmosphere (MAP) packaging (90% CO2 and 10% O2) and 10% (w/v) lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with MAP on Listeria monocytogenes Z7 serotype 1 and on the shelf life of chicken legs stored at 6 degrees C was investigated. The initial contamination level of L. monocytogenes on the chicken legs surface was 8.3 x 10(2) cfu/cm2 of skin. After 2 days of storage at 6 degrees C the number of L. monocytogenes on legs treated with 2%, 5%, 10% lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) and 10% lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with MAP was significantly lower than the initial number of L. monocytogenes. Later, growth of L. monocytogenes was observed. After 13 days of storage at 6 degrees C the number of L. monocytogenes on legs treated with 10% lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with MAP was still similar to the initial number. Legs treated with 2%, 5%, 10% lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0), MAP and 10% lactic acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) combined with MAP, have a shelf life at 6 degrees C of respectively 8, 9, 10, 13 and 17 days. This means a prolongation of 2, 3, 4, 7 and 11 days, respectively for storage at 6 degrees C. The antimicrobial effect of lactic acid buffer systems (pH 3.0) increased with increasing concentrations of lactic acid in the buffered system. The best results were obtained by the combined use of 10% acid/sodium lactate buffer (pH 3.0) and MAP.